Shoes-optional eatery coming to Hamptons

Well-known hospitality publicist and Hamptons regular Steve Kasuba has teamed up with restaurateur and longtime friend Alex Duff to open new restaurant Banzai Burger at 2095 Montauk Highway in Amagansett, Kasuba said. The casual, “après-beach” spot is slated to open July 4.

Having recently signed a 15-year lease for an undisclosed amount, this is Kasuba’s first foray into this side of the business, though he has regularly worked on the east end of Long Island. “I do a lot of things in Montauk and the Hamptons in general,” he said. “I just love being out there.”

The 3,000-square-foot space, at S Strong Avenue, seats 100 people inside and outside and will serve burgers, sushi and casual fare. “It’s an ode to the beach,” Duff said,” and the way of life here. We want to appeal to everyone.”

Kasuba said other restaurants have tried and failed at the location. “They’ve tried to be too fancy or too up-market,” he said. “No one has gotten the formula quite right.”